Mathematics
The Mathematics Department is housed in the School's Old Building but also benefits from the most up-to-date technology. Each classroom is equipped with a visualiser, gyromouse and two wireless classpads, to enhance learning and teaching. Pupils follow national courses complemented with practical and investigative work, which includes use of TI graphics calculators and a range of Mathematics software packages. Pupils are encouraged to participate in events such as the UK Individual Mathematical Challenges (Junior, Intermediate, Senior), the UK Team Mathematical Challenges, the Scottish Mathematical Challenge, Enterprising Mathematics in Scotland, World Maths Day and the Royal Institution Mathematics Masterclasses, and have achieved national and international competition success in recent years.
Mathematics: Staffing
Miss Frances Findlay (Head of Department)
Miss Frances Findlay is a graduate of Edinburgh University and has taught at Heriot's since 1991. From 2006, she has also held the post of Head of Department. As well as teaching Mathematics, she has been involved with the Duke of Edinburgh's Award and the Cross Country Club throughout her time at Heriot's.
Mr Gregor Dickson
Mr Dickson graduated from Heriot-Watt University in 1994, specialising in Actuarial Mathematics and Statistics. He is a member of the School's timetabling group and the School's prizegiving team, organises Heriot's Chess Club, and is coordinator of Senior School Mathematics Competitions.
Mrs Janice Dickson
Mrs Dickson, a graduate from the University of Glasgow, came to us in 2004, having gained wide teaching experience in North Lanarkshire, Fife and the Middle East. Mrs Dickson is the departmental liaison link both with the School's Admissions office and the Support for Learning department; she is also actively involved in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award.
Miss Fiona Moir
Miss Fiona Moir is a graduate of Heriot-Watt University. She joined the Mathematics department in August 2006 having previously worked in Fife for seven years. Outwith the classroom, Miss Moir assists with the school Badminton Club.
Mr Deryck Porteous
Mr Deryck Porteous has been teaching Mathematics since graduating from Stirling University in 1979. He started out at Woodlands High School in Falkirk moving on to James Gillespie's High School before joining Heriot's in 1996. Away from the chalk face, Mr Porteous is heavily involved in both rugby and cricket.
Mr Craig Walker
Mr Walker graduated from the University of Stirling and joined Heriot's in 2000 as his first teaching post. He now specialises in the Advanced Higher Mechanics course within the department, and has been instrumental in introducing Football for both boys and girls to the school.
Mr Chris Wallis
Mr Wallis graduated from Loughborough University with an MEng in Aeronautical Engineering and worked with Outward Bound before completing his PGCE in Mathematics and Outdoor Education. Mr Wallis is responsible for the school's Climbing Club and the Outdoor Activities Games Option for S4 - S6. He is also involved in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award.
Miss Kirsteen Weir
Miss Weir initially experienced life at Heriot's as a teacher in training, during her PGCE year. She had her first placement here and loved it so much that she became a permanent member of the Mathematics department in August 2006, after completing her probationary year at Trinity Academy. Miss Weir is also responsible for the School's very successful curling team.
Mathematics: Curriculum
S1 & S2
In S1 and S2 as much of the mathematics as possible is related to real-life and to facilitate work on problem solving pupils will encounter practical activities, challenges, brainstormers and investigations. It is hoped that through such work the pupils will find mathematics fascinating, interesting and fun. Both calculator and non-calculator work is encouraged.
The rate of progression in S1 will to some extent depend on work covered in Primary 7. In all classes, revision and consolidation will ensure that the pupils have a firm base on which to build for the future. The course contains work in number, money and measurement, position and movement and information handling. Problem-solving permeates the whole course.
S3 & S4
All pupils in S3 and S4 will study selected Units from the National Qualifications Intermediate 1 and Intermediate 2 Courses and by the end of S4 will have sat a minimum of three appropriate SQA Unit Tests. The National Qualification Examination sat by pupils at the end of S4 will depend on their progress throughout S3 and S4, but the following scenario is likely.
Sets 1 to 6 will sit Intermediate 2 comprising the Units Mathematics 1, 2 and 3.
Sets 7 will sit Intermediate 2 comprising the Units Mathematics 1, 2 and Applications.
Set 8 will sit Intermediate 1 comprising the Units Mathematics 1, 2 and 3.
Each Intermediate Course aims to extend the pupil's range of mathematical skills and to develop further their ability to solve problems of a mathematical nature. The content of each course is designed to provide the pupils with necessary life skills, to serve other areas of study and to form a firm basis for future study of the subject at either Higher or Intermediate 2 in S5. Throughout each course, the mathematics is presented in as meaningful and interesting a way as possible, graphical calculators being used to enhance the learning.
S5
Pupils in S5 may study mathematics at Higher or Intermediate 2 level.
The Higher Course will build upon and extend pupils' mathematical learning in the areas of algebra, geometry and trigonometry and will introduce pupils to elementary calculus. Pupils have the option of sitting the SQA Unit Tests on-line. Throughout each course, the mathematics is presented in as meaningful and interesting a way as possible, graphical calculators being used to enhance the learning.
S6
Pupils in S6 may study mathematics at Higher, Advanced Higher (Pure Mathematics), Advanced Higher Applied (Statistics) or Advanced Higher Applied (Mechanics)
The Advanced Higher Courses will build upon and extend pupils' mathematical skills, knowledge and understanding in a way that recognizes problem solving as an essential skill and enables them to integrate their knowledge of different aspects of the subject.
The Pure Mathematics Course will extend pupils' learning in the area of algebra, geometry and calculus.
The Mechanics Course has relevance to further study or employment in the areas of mathematics, physical sciences and engineering.
The Statistics Course has relevance to further study or employment in the areas of mathematics, biological and social sciences, medicine, accounting, business and management.